Cut Out Distracted Driving for Safety’s Sake

Common sense tells us that turning our attention to other tasks while driving can be perilous. Unfortunately, current statistics suggest that many people continue to drive while distracted, regardless of the clear danger.

A distraction is any activity that takes your eyes off the road, your mind off the task, and/or your hands off the steering wheel — if only for a moment. According to recent studies, 19% of all motor vehicle crashes reported in 2008 involved some type of driver distraction.¹

Here are some of the most common distractions and some tips on how to avoid behavior that reduces awareness and, potentially, your driving performance.

Cell Phone Jeopardy

There’s no doubt that the level of distraction is higher for drivers who are placing or answering calls, or are simply involved in conversations on cell phones. Hands-free devices are mandated for drivers in some states, but their use does not always eliminate the distraction problem. It’s safest to make your calls before you drive; if your phone rings while you are driving, let voicemail pick it up or pull over before answering.

Texting is one of the riskiest tasks a driver can perform. One study found that the risk of collision is 23 times greater while texting, mainly because drivers who are texting typically spend nearly five seconds looking away from the road.²

People and Pets

A passenger is sometimes the most difficult distraction to control. In one survey, 26% of women reported that attending to children was their most dangerous distraction while driving.³

It’s not easy to explain to youngsters that driving is a difficult task that demands your full attention, but it’s worth a try. Diversions such as books, games, and toys may help. If a situation involving child passengers demands your attention, it’s best to pull over in a safe spot. Pets should always be secured in a pet carrier or harness device and never allowed to roam freely or sit on your lap.

Hands On

Eating or drinking while operating a vehicle presents another set of challenges. When your hands are off the wheel and your mind is otherwise occupied — such as when opening or unwrapping, reaching or leaning, spilling and wiping — the likelihood of an accident increases.

For the same reason, grooming rituals such as applying makeup, styling hair, and shaving should never be done while driving a vehicle, even if you are late for work.

Looking Ahead

As normal or necessary as it may seem, fiddling with the buttons on a car radio, CD player, navigation system, or the climate controls can take your attention away from the road long enough to create a hazard. It’s best to delegate these jobs to a passenger or to wait for normal stops to make adjustments.

Furthermore, taking more than a passing glance at a roadside accident, sign, construction crew, or scenic view could distract you from the road.

Driving demands a high level of coordination between your mind and body in order to control the vehicle and respond appropriately to conditions and events on the road. Staying focused and reducing distractions may help increase the chance that you and your passengers will arrive safely at your destination.

1) National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 2009
2) The New York Times, July 28, 2009
3) Chicago Tribune, October 8, 2009

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2009 Emerald.